2026 Scholarship Winners
Investing in Educational Excellence
Our 2026 Scholarship Winners
Through athletics, I became fascinated by how the body heals and grows stronger. This scholarship supports my goal of helping athletes recover and compete.
As a first-generation immigrant, I know the value of hard work and opportunity. This scholarship eases tuition costs and helps me focus on my future.
I want to become an environmental engineer to help reduce pollution and build sustainable solutions. This scholarship allows me to focus on real-world environmental impact.
I hope to build human connections and make a meaningful difference through international service. This scholarship helps me fully invest in my education and goals.
I plan to become a Physician Assistant, and this scholarship will help make that possible for me. I am incredibly grateful for the support as I pursue my dream career.
Rush City educators helped shape my dream of teaching. This scholarship supports my education while I balance college, athletics, and preparing for my own classroom.
Since my first flight at age seven, aviation has been my dream. This scholarship helps ease flight training costs as I work toward becoming a commercial pilot.
Animation has always been my way to create, dream, and overcome challenges. This scholarship helps me pursue my goal of sharing art with the world.
Tyler Monson
University of Minnesota, Morris – Physical Therapy
Awarded – Erickson scholarship
Tyler developed a keen interest in how the human body works, recovers and grows stronger through athletic competition. Pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy will fulfill his dream to assist developing competitive athletes The scholarship is greatly appreciated in support of his academic goals.
Elijah Bergfalk
University of Minnesota, Duluth – Mechanical Engineering
Awarded the Erickson scholarship
Elijah is a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia who works hard at all he undertakes. He contributes to his family farm and is active in many school activities. The scholarship will significantly alleviate the financial burden of tuition and allow him to focus on his academic and professional goals.
Luciano Schisano
School – Unknown – Environmental Engineer
Awarded the Erickson scholarship
With growing concern about the health of the environment, Luciano’s goal is to become an environmental engineer so he can help find solutions to reduce pollution and to design and build sustainable infrastructure. The scholarship allows him to focus on contributing to improving real world environmental problems.
Alayna Heintz
College of St. Benedict – History and Global Business
Awarded – Erickson scholarship
Most critical to Alayna is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. After completing college, she plans to join the Peace Corp and work internationally to help build human connections. As a student from a single-income household, this scholarship allows her to fully invest in her education and pursue her goals with intention.
Megan Widel
University of Minnesota, Morris – Biology
Awarded the Rush City Education Foundation and the Beise scholarships
Megan’s goal is to become a Physician Assistant and later pursue a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). This scholarship is important to help her pursue these goals.
Kendal Pillar
Bethany Lutheran College – Elementary Education
Awarded the Proulx scholarship
Throughout her life she has been shaped by the dedicated educators of Rush City, and was able to test teaching as a third grade teaching assistant. As a student athlete competing in softball for Bethany, the scholarship will help alleviate pressures of sports and funding her education.
Alex Flaten
University of North Dakota – Commercial Aviation and Aviation Management
Awarded the Rush City Education Foundation scholarship
Passion for aviation started at the age of 7 when he first flew with his parents and was able to meet the captain and sit in the cockpit. Now has his private pilot.
Scholarship will significantly ease the financial burden of flight training and allow full focus on achieving his goal of becoming a professional pilot.
Felicity Gillerson
University of Northwestern – Animation and Illustration
Awarded the Schneider scholarship
Felicity wants to work as an animator for Disney or Pixar since she was little. When there were personal challenges at home, Felicity would hone her animation skills as a way to help alleviate the stress. The scholarship will contribute financial support so she can pursue her dream of sharing art with the world.
KEY PROGRAMS
Grants
Rush City teachers have bold ideas—and RCEF helps ignite them. Our grants turn creative classroom visions into reality by supporting innovative approaches that engage and energize learning. By working directly with educators, RCEF stays flexible and responsive, backing ideas that spark curiosity and growth. We rely on the passion of Rush City staff to help make a lasting impact.
Grant Application Deadline October 22, 2026
Scholarships
Since 2013, the Rush City Education Foundation has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, community service, school involvement, and clear career goals. These scholarships are made possible through generous support from individuals, estate gifts, and corporate donors. Learn more about how these contributions ignite student success.
Events
Rush City Education Foundation hosts events that bring the community together to celebrate learning, support students and educators, and raise vital funds for our scholarship and grant programs. These events strengthen community connections and inspire continued investment in lifelong learning, helping ignite opportunities in Rush City classrooms—and beyond.
Be a Part of the Team
Your donation can make a huge impact on students in the Rush City School District. If you would like to give online, please click on the Donate Now button.